HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Pope John Paul II Lions are loaded for bear

Last year, the Pope John Paul II baseball team made it all the way to the Division 4 state championship game and came so close, losing 1-0 to Lowell Catholic. That was the bad news. But in a way it was also good news because this year the whole team, more experienced, more mature and more seasoned in big games, is returning to take another shot at it.

Last year, the Pope John Paul II baseball team made it all the way to the Division 4 state championship game and came so close, losing 1-0 to Lowell Catholic.

That was the bad news. But in a way it was also good news because this year the whole team, more experienced, more mature and more seasoned in big games, is returning to take another shot at it.

“We’ve got everybody coming back; all our starting players are returning and we’ve added a few others,” said JPII coach Mark Santos. “We have one transfer student and a couple of kids from the JVs, so we’ve broadened our roster a little bit.”

But what is particularly impressive about this year’s team is just how experienced it is.

Two players, Ben Gibson and Brady Jones, have been starters since the team began as a varsity program four years ago, and several other players have been starters for the last two years.

What’s more they have all been in big games and have played in the postseason tournament.

With a team that is used to winning and which has gotten better and better every year — it has made the tournament every season since it became a varsity program and has compiled a 56-14 record over the last three years — nothing less than a state championship seems acceptable.

“The anticipation and the excitement are high, but so are the expectations. We’re trying to block all that out and take each game one by one and see what happens at tournament time; but yes, there is a lot of excitement,” said Santos.

While Santos is trying not look too far ahead too early, it is hard to do given the talent on this team.

Gibson is the big gun, and he is loaded with some high explosives.

“He is coming off a year last season that was just ridiculous,” said Santos.

At the plate, his stats were monstrous; he batted .616 with 13 home runs and 56 RBI.

When not playing first base, he was the Lions’ top pitcher, recording nine of their 23 wins.

Jones is a two time Cape Cod & Islands League All-Star.

“He has great speed in the leadoff spot and in centerfield; he can cover a lot of ground,” said Santos.

At second base is Matt Santos, a junior who is a three-year starter.

“He is probably the most versatile bat on the team. He had the second highest batting average and he led the team in runs scored. And defensively he is a solid infielder,” said Santos.

Page 2 of 2 - Mike Young, a three-year starter at shortstop, is a good hitter and an even a better fielder.

Young combined with Santos for an amazing, for high school, 22 double plays.

Collin Russell at third base is another dependable fielder who made only one error last season, and he is also another tough out in the Lions’ batting order.

Ben Crago returns at catcher for the third season.

“He’s a tremendous defensive catcher and he has a good bat as well,” said Santos.

Matt Thatcher, another three-year starter, can play at first base, third base and can even pitch.

“He is probably the best Number 8 hitter you’ll find anywhere,” said Santos.

Conner Kennedy in right field is a very strong defensive player, and he can hit for average and power.

In left field Kevin Marsh, a transfer from Sandwich, has had a terrific preseason and showed he can hit.

Austin Houlihan can play all three outfield positions and is a very good pitcher.

Last year in the postseason he gave up just one run in 18 innings for an ERA of 0.50.

Seniors Josh Rand, Matt Soucie and Graham Shopshire are reserve outfielders, but they too are experienced and provide depth.

Finally, Blake Waters, a left-handed pitcher, and Coleman Fenton, a catcher, moved up from the JVs.

“This is a veteran team. They have been there. They know what it takes to get back there,” said Santos. “We’re hoping to take it one step farther this year.”

Lions dedicate season to Hegarty

The Pope John Paul II baseball team has dedicated its season to Christian Hegarty, who was a starting outfielder on last year’s team. Last fall, Hegarty was diagnosed with bone cancer.

“We’re dedicating the whole year to him,” said Santos. “The players are wearing wristbands with his number on them. The kids are really rallying around Christian. He has a great attitude about it. He would have been a very critical part of the team this year.”